About Us – The Heart Behind The Crafty Oak

The Crafty Oak was born not in a boardroom, but in a quiet workshop in the Cambridgeshire countryside—where sawdust dances in the sunlight and every plank of oak carries a story.

At the heart of it all is James, a lifelong woodworker whose hands tell a tale of over 40 years of craft. He grew up with tools in his grip and a love for making things that last. What started as a hobby carving keepsakes for family and friends soon became something much more—something real, something personal. The Crafty Oak is the result of that journey.

Every item we make is a reflection of the values we hold dear: craftsmanship, honesty, patience, and pride. We don’t cut corners. We don’t mass produce. We take beautiful, sustainably sourced oak and walnut—like a Michelin star chef choosing the finest ingredients—and we shape it into something meaningful, something lasting.

We know we’re not the biggest name out there, and we tip our hat to the many talented makers who also create stunning wooden gifts. But where we lack in size, we more than make up for in quality, dedication, and personal service. Every customer matters to us, and every order is treated as if it were for our own family.

Whether it's a wedding gift engraved with a loved one's name, a carving board that becomes the centrepiece of a family kitchen, or a matchbox keepsake for remembering someone special—these aren’t just products. They’re memories in the making.

We’re a small family business, and we like it that way. It means every order gets the care it deserves. It means we can take the time to make sure your gift is just right—crafted, carved, and finished by hand. It means you’re not just another order number.

We’ve loved receiving feedback and customer emails. We’ve seen the surprise in someone’s eyes when they open a gift that says you matter. We know the power of a well-made object when it comes from a place of love.

So thank you—for supporting a family-run workshop, for choosing handmade over mass-made, and for giving your loved ones something truly unforgettable.

We can’t wait to make something special for you.

James & The Crafty Oak Team